A beloved Twickenham pub which closed six years ago will reopen in June as a games and entertainment pub, backed by a half a million-pound investment.
The former Roxie Steak and Tap, which shut its doors in 2019 is undergoing renovation starting this month to reopen as The Rose & Lion.
Heineken-owned Star Pubs and award-winning pub operators Steve Orme and James Thomson have invested £520,000 to bring the unique pub experience to Twickenham.
Orme said: “We were blown away when we first saw The Rose & Lion interior.
“Although just a shell, we could see it would make a fantastic open sociable space.
“It will be a great place to hang out, with shuffleboard, AR darts, table football all adding to the fun.”
The Roxie Steak & Tap prior to renovation. Credit: Helena Jones, Star Pubs.
Former school mates Steve and James aim to create a classic London bar vibe with retro accents to their new pub, featuring a large central bar, six screens, a Beavertown courtyard and eclectic decor.
The new pub will offer a lively weekend atmosphere with live music and music bingo, and in recognition of Twickenham’s rugby heritage, it will screen a variety of live sports, including NFL games and ice hockey.
Orme said: “It’s the newest, coolest place to go pre and post rugby, so our opening in June is perfect timing.”
The Rose & Lion interior will offer a retro feel with exposed brick and high padded cocktail leather chairs, while the exterior will be repainted black, juxtaposed by red doors and white windows.
The food menu will consist of smashed burgers, pizzas, wings and ribs, with meat provided by Chiswick butcher Rodney Macken, who also serves Michelin star restaurants.
The bar will feature craft, cask, and premium draught beers and ciders, alongside a selection of wines, spirits and soft drinks.
A visual of the upcoming The Rose & Lion pub. Credit: Star Pubs.
The pub operators, who also run the award-winning The Red Lion in Shepperton and The Golden Grove in Chertsey, are hoping their newest addition will have a broad appeal, catering to families and non-drinkers who wish to enjoy coffee mornings or an affordable bite to eat.
Stars Pubs business development manager Alex Jackson said that with the duo’s pub renovation experience, he is confident the Rose & Lion will thrive as a new community hub, attracting locals and visitors alike by offering something alternative to the local competition.
Twickenham resident Suzy Holland said: “It’s already very pub-heavy around here, but I think everybody in Twickenham loves a pub.
“I think it’s great, Twickenham needs something a little different”.
Stacey, who works in Twickenham, said: “I think for the younger generation it’s [The Rose and Lion] definitely a bonus.
“A lot of my younger team members would definitely go there to play the games after work”.
Feature image credit: Helena Jones, Star Pubs
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